{"id":184805,"date":"2025-03-11T06:01:03","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T20:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=832382"},"modified":"2025-03-11T06:01:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T20:01:03","slug":"40-years-ago-space-shuttle-atlantis-makes-its-public-debut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=184805","title":{"rendered":"40 Years Ago: Space Shuttle Atlantis Makes its Public Debut\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On March 6, 1985, NASA\u2019s newest space shuttle, Atlantis, made its public debut during a rollout ceremony at the Rockwell International manufacturing plant in Palmdale, California. Under construction for three years, Atlantis joined NASA\u2019s other three space-worthy orbiters, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-space-shuttle-columbia-arrives-at-kennedy-space-center\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Columbia<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-first-flight-of-space-shuttle-challenger\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Challenger<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-space-shuttle-discovery-makes-its-public-debut\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Discovery<\/a>, and atmospheric test vehicle <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/45-years-ago-space-shuttle-enterprise-makes-its-public-debut\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Enterprise<\/a>. Officials from NASA, Rockwell, and other organizations attended the rollout ceremony. By the time NASA retired Atlantis in 2011, it had flown 33 missions in a career spanning 26 years and flying many types of missions envisioned for the space shuttle. The Visitor Center at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has Atlantis on display.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View inside an assembly hangar of a partially built space shuttle orbiter.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg 4173w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=900,900 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=1200,1200 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-1-during-assembly-1984-jsc2010-00084.jpg?resize=2000,2000 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Space shuttle Atlantis under construction at Rockwell International\u2019s Palmdale, California, plant in 1984. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"811\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View of a space shuttle orbiter with a about a dozen people on a stage in front of it.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg 2835w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=300,237 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=768,608 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=1024,811 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=1536,1216 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=2048,1621 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=400,317 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=600,475 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=900,712 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=1200,950 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-2-palmdale-rollout-mar-6-1985.jpg?resize=2000,1583 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Atlantis during the rollout ceremony in Palmdale. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"471\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-3-trucked-from-palmdale-to-edwards-mar-9-1985.jpg?w=471\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Distant view of a space shuttle orbiter being trucked on a desert highway.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-3-trucked-from-palmdale-to-edwards-mar-9-1985.jpg 471w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-3-trucked-from-palmdale-to-edwards-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=294,300 294w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-3-trucked-from-palmdale-to-edwards-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-3-trucked-from-palmdale-to-edwards-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=393,400 393w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Workers truck Atlantis from Palmdale to NASA\u2019s Dryden, now Armstrong, Flight Research Center. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>On Jan. 25, 1979, NASA announced the names of the first four space-worthy orbiters \u2013 Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, and Atlantis. Like the other vehicles, NASA named Atlantis after an historical vessel of discovery and exploration \u2013 the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute\u2019s two-masted research ship Atlantis that operated from 1930 to 1966. On Jan. 29, NASA signed the contract with Rockwell International of Downey, California, to build and deliver Atlantis. Construction began in March 1980 and finished in April 1984. Nearly identical to Discovery but with the addition of hardware to support the cryogenic Centaur upper stage then planned to deploy planetary spacecraft in 1986, plans shelved following the Challenger accident. After a year of testing, workers prepared Atlantis for its public debut.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"811\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Image of a space shuttle orbiter on a runway apron being towed by a blue truck.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg 2835w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=300,237 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=768,608 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=1024,811 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=1536,1216 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=2048,1621 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=400,317 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=600,475 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=900,712 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=1200,950 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-4-arr-dryden-mar-9-1985.jpg?resize=2000,1583 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Atlantis arrives at NASA\u2019s Dryden, now Armstrong, Flight Research Center to prepare for its cross-country ferry flight. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Head on view of a space shuttle orbiter sitting on top of a Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 52% 70%; object-position: 52% 70%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg 4284w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=300,199 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=768,509 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=1024,679 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=1536,1018 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=2048,1358 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=400,265 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=600,398 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=900,597 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=1200,796 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-5-at-ellington-apr-12-1985-s85-30474.jpg?resize=2000,1326 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Atlantis during an overnight stop at Ellington Air Force Base, now Ellington Field, in Houston. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View of a space shuttle atop its shuttle carrier aircraft making a landing.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg 3000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=300,240 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=768,614 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=1024,819 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=1536,1229 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=2048,1638 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=400,320 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=600,480 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=900,720 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=1200,960 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-6-arr-ksc-apr-13-1985-ksc-385c-1296-02.jpg?resize=2000,1600 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Atlantis arrives at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Three days after the rollout ceremony, workers trucked Atlantis 36 miles overland to NASA\u2019s Dryden, now Armstrong, Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California\u2019s Mojave Desert, for final preparations for its cross-country ferry flight. In the Mate Demate Device, workers placed Atlantis atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747, to begin the ferry flight. The duo left Edwards on April 12, the fourth anniversary of the first space shuttle flight. Following an overnight stop at Houston\u2019s Ellington Air Force Base, now Ellington Field, Atlantis arrived at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 13.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"846\" height=\"1006\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-7-rolled-out-to-pad-for-51j.jpg?w=846\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Night view of a space shuttle on its launch pad.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 49% 37%; object-position: 49% 37%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-7-rolled-out-to-pad-for-51j.jpg 846w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-7-rolled-out-to-pad-for-51j.jpg?resize=252,300 252w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-7-rolled-out-to-pad-for-51j.jpg?resize=768,913 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-7-rolled-out-to-pad-for-51j.jpg?resize=336,400 336w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-7-rolled-out-to-pad-for-51j.jpg?resize=505,600 505w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-7-rolled-out-to-pad-for-51j.jpg?resize=757,900 757w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 846px) 100vw, 846px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Atlantis following its first rollout to Launch Pad 39A. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"742\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View of a space shuttle on its launch pad with its engines lighting up and smoke and steam billowing from the pad.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg 1243w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg?resize=300,217 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg?resize=768,557 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg?resize=1024,742 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg?resize=400,290 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg?resize=600,435 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg?resize=900,652 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-8-sts-51j-frf-sep-12-1985.jpg?resize=1200,870 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The flight readiness firing of Atlantis\u2019 three main engines.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1007\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?w=1007\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Daytime liftoff of a space shuttle.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 54% 32%; object-position: 54% 32%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg 6774w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=295,300 295w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=768,781 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=1007,1024 1007w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=1510,1536 1510w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=2014,2048 2014w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=393,400 393w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=590,600 590w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=885,900 885w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=1180,1200 1180w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-9-sts-51j-launch-51j-s-001.jpg?resize=1967,2000 1967w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1007px) 100vw, 1007px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Liftoff of Atlantis on its first mission, STS-51J. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Four months later, on Aug. 12, workers towed Atlantis from the processing facility to the assembly building and mated it to an external tank and twin solid rocket boosters. The entire stack rolled out to Launch Pad 39A on Aug. 30 in preparation for the planned Oct. 3 launch of the STS-51J mission. As with any new orbiter, on Sept. 13 NASA conducted a 20-second Flight Readiness Firing of Atlantis\u2019 three main engines. On Sept. 16, the five-person crew participated in a countdown demonstration test, leading to an on time Oct. 3 launch. Atlantis had joined the shuttle fleet and begun its first mission to space.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1900\" height=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?w=1900\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"View of a space shuttle orbiter on display.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 49% 57%; object-position: 49% 57%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg 1900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?resize=300,150 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?resize=768,384 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?resize=1024,512 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?resize=1536,768 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?resize=400,200 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?resize=600,300 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?resize=900,450 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/atlantis-rollout-10-at-ksc-vc.jpg?resize=1200,600 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1900px) 100vw, 1900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Space shuttle Atlantis in the Visitor Center at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Credit\/NASA.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Over the course of its 33 missions spanning more than 26 years, Atlantis flew virtually every type of mission envisioned for the space shuttle, including government and commercial satellite deployments, deploying spacecraft to visit interplanetary destinations, supporting scientific missions, launching and servicing scientific observatories such as the Hubble Space Telescope, performing crew rotations and resupplying the Mir space station, and assembling and maintaining the International Space Station. Atlantis flew the final mission of the shuttle program, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/10-years-ago-sts-135-the-space-shuttles-grand-finale\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">STS-135<\/a>,\u00a0 in July 2011. The following year, NASA transported Atlantis to the Kennedy Visitor Center for public display.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-related-articles\">\n<section class=\"hds-related-articles padding-x-0 padding-y-3 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n<div class=\"w-100 grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0 text-align-left\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n<h2 style=\"max-width: 100%;\" class=\"width-full w-full maxw-full\">Explore More<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-space-shuttle-discovery-makes-its-public-debut\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/discovery-rollout-5-at-palmdale-w-41d-crew-oct-16-1983.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/discovery-rollout-5-at-palmdale-w-41d-crew-oct-16-1983.jpg 322w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/discovery-rollout-5-at-palmdale-w-41d-crew-oct-16-1983.jpg?resize=300,233 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">7 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">40 Years Ago: Space Shuttle Discovery Makes its Public Debut<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 year ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/40-years-ago-sts-4-columbias-final-orbital-flight-test\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=300,240 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=768,614 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=400,320 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=600,480 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sts_4_1_crew_s82-31207.jpg?resize=900,720 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">14 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">40 Years Ago: STS-4, Columbia\u2019s Final Orbital Flight Test<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3 years ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0 desktop:padding-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/history\/45-years-ago-space-shuttle-enterprise-makes-its-public-debut\/\" class=\"color-carbon-black\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black minh-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"229\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/enterprise_rollout_1_nixon_and_fletcher_with_shuttle_model_1972.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/enterprise_rollout_1_nixon_and_fletcher_with_shuttle_model_1972.jpg 985w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/enterprise_rollout_1_nixon_and_fletcher_with_shuttle_model_1972.jpg?resize=300,229 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/enterprise_rollout_1_nixon_and_fletcher_with_shuttle_model_1972.jpg?resize=768,586 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/enterprise_rollout_1_nixon_and_fletcher_with_shuttle_model_1972.jpg?resize=400,305 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/enterprise_rollout_1_nixon_and_fletcher_with_shuttle_model_1972.jpg?resize=600,458 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/enterprise_rollout_1_nixon_and_fletcher_with_shuttle_model_1972.jpg?resize=900,687 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-right-0 desktop:padding-right-10\">\n<div class=\"subheading margin-bottom-1\">6 min read<\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-1\">\n<h3 class=\"related-article-title\">45 Years Ago: Space Shuttle Enterprise Makes its Public Debut<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label related-article-label margin-bottom-1 color-carbon-60\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"display-flex flex-align-center margin-right-2\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Article<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3 years ago\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On March 6, 1985, NASA\u2019s newest space shuttle, Atlantis, made its public debut during a rollout ceremony at the Rockwell International manufacturing plant in Palmdale, California. Under construction for three years, Atlantis joined NASA\u2019s other three space-worthy orbiters, Columbia, Challenger, and Discovery, and atmospheric test vehicle Enterprise. Officials from NASA, Rockwell, and other organizations attended [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15634,15639],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-184805","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-johnson-space-center","category-nasa-history"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.8 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"On March 6, 1985, NASA\u2019s newest space shuttle, Atlantis, made its public debut during a rollout ceremony at the Rockwell International manufacturing plant in Palmdale, California. 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Officials from NASA, Rockwell, and other organizations attended [\u2026]\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-image-preview:large\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Brian Evans\"\/>\n\t<meta name=\"google-site-verification\" content=\"1EIWGZ5FoylKQrO3pqls-2hXlDXKIP1lffdWZCVV0V4\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=184805\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO Pro (AIOSEO) 4.9.8\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"VibeWire Magazine - Your Alternate News Source for Transport, Politics, UFO, Paranormal, Anything\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"40 Years Ago: Space Shuttle Atlantis Makes its Public Debut - VibeWire Magazine\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On March 6, 1985, NASA\u2019s newest space shuttle, Atlantis, made its public debut during a rollout ceremony at the Rockwell International manufacturing plant in Palmdale, California. 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